The International Vocal Competition «Masterpieces of Russian Music» named after Nataliya Shpiller
In 2014, the International Vocal Competition «Masterpieces of Russian Music» named after Nataliya Shpiller was established at the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music. The initiative was supported by the Academy’s administration and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The competition was launched with the following goals:
- to promote and popularize Russian classical and contemporary vocal music;
- to revive and preserve the best traditions of Russian academic singing;
- to identify talented young artists.
The competition bears the name of Nataliya Shpiller, People’s Artist of Russia. She devoted nearly 25 years to the Bolshoi Theatre and over 40 years to teaching at the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music. Nataliya Shpiller was a staunch advocate for promoting Russian vocal art and nurturing the next generation of singers.
Over the course of 10 years, the competition has attracted more than 1 500 participants. It has served as a launchpad for many artists: approximately 300 contestants were awarded laureate titles, and numerous others received diplomas.
Participants have come from cities across Russia as well as from the following countries: Austria, Armenia, Belarus, Vietnam, Germany, Denmark, China, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Norway, Romania, Uzbekistan, Finland, Estonia, South Korea, Japan.